Faith

Don't Look Back

So how is it going achieving your New Year’s goals? We are just a few days into 2016. Have you been successful? So-so? Or #goalfail?

It makes a difference to ponder why we actually decide to make new years’ resolutions. The reason most people make resolutions and set goals is because they are discontent with the state or size of their body, mind, or bank account.

You might relate to this list of the Ten Most Common New Year’s Resolutions:

Now that you’ve perused the list, are you moved to change because you are restless with any one or more of these areas? Guess what? Many have been known to toss aside most of the serious resolutions we make for ourselves within a few days or weeks.Why? Because annoyance or irritation is just not enough to change a habit. What makes the difference is asking ourselves these three questions:

Do you really want to change a habit? If our heart isn’t in it, we must wait for a better time.

Have you set realistic goals? You are more likely to follow through on something you can achieve.

Have you set specific goals? It is not enough to want to change; you must figure out the steps you’re going to take.

What is the new thing God is doing in you, your family, your church, your ministry, and your world? Embrace the new thing. At first you might feel uncomfortable or even afraid when you step into new territory. God will strengthen you and help you accomplish your goals, as your faith grows stronger. Through your spiritual growth, desire for obedience to Him and intentional closeness to Him will cause a ripple effect to reach your world. Let God do what He wants to do in you and through you. And don’t look back.

Notice the new thing God is doing. . . . Isaiah 43:18-19 says “Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

My challenge to you today to be open to the Holy Spirit. Let’s invite the Lord to help us see the new thing God is doing!

Please let me pray for you!

Dear Father, thank you for our time together today. Thank you for the promise and hope of a new year. Thank you for allowing us to start over. Forgive us for relying on ourselves. We haven’t been able to keep our resolutions. Help us to trust you as we’ve had unpleasant memories that have surfaced. Heal our hurts, and bind up our wounds. Thank you that in our weakness you are strong. Speak to us from your Word; by your Spirit, let us testify of your power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14